Where does it begin?

It has been estimated that 95% of those who try to diet and lose weight, fail to keep the weight off more than one year. Some estimates are even gloomier. What does the 5% do. Why are they successful when the majority is not?

The commonality of those who are successful is that they choose to live differently. They made a decision that life will be different. Something occurred that made them understand that there was no option but, to lose weight and to live healthy. It was an event or they found the necessary mind shift. Sometimes it is the death of a close friend of similar age and condition. Sometimes it is a diagnosis that is, do or die. Sometimes it is a relationship that ends or one that begins. Whatever the catalyst, the decision was made, and as they say, “set in stone.”

What if you do not have a dramatic experience? What if you do not have an epiphany to become an icon of health? What do you do then? How do you get that necessary mind shift? You must find or create your catalyst for change. If an event does not present itself, you have to create it. This is easier than you might expect. Sit back and think. Think about all of the things you will miss if you die early because of unhealthy life and its medical issues. Think of all of the things your family will miss because you are not there to share it with them. How will your daughter feel when she gets married and her father is not there to walk her down the aisle because he died from a heart attack? How is your son going handle not being able to share the birth of his first child with his mom because she passed from obesity complications? Who is going to teach your son or daughter to play softball or soccer when you cannot keep you breath for more than a few paces? How is your family going to survive financially with only one income because you died suddenly at 52 years old? Who is your spouse going to share the golden years with if you are not there to hold hands?

Does this sound morbid, cruel, or distasteful? It is not! It is the reality for those who remain unhealthy, and certainly for those who are obese and morbidly obese. An early death, an unhealthy being, and limited life is a certainty for those who do not maintain their body, mind, and nutrition. An overweight body is a life full of ailments and doctor visits, multiple surgeries, and medical diagnostics. It is a life full of missed events, opportunities, special occasions, and tender moments. It is a life at its least potential.

I bring this to your attention and hope you understand that life is about choices. You can choose to live unhealthy and fat like you have in the past, or you can choose to recapture your health and youth with a healthy lifestyle. Weight loss is not about a diet, it is about the choice to live well and with balance. Weight loss is easy if you choose to live with a focus on your outcome of a fit body and balanced life. A vibrant body will happen if you focus on an able physique and powerful nutrition instead of focusing on what you have to give up or sacrifice to get it.

When I gave up Mountain Dew, cakes, processed junk food, and processed meats, I was asked by most of my friends and family, don’t you miss x, y, or z. I explain that I did not give up anything because I choose other foods. I choose to have other foods such as fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals. I do not miss my past habits because they are no longer a lifestyle that I crave. What I gave up was clogged arteries, muscle spasms, restless nights sleep, midday doldrums, limited mobility, lack of energy, and a spare tire around my waste.

What I receive is a bounty of fresh foods, wonderful meals, more energy than ever before in my life, a physique of my sculpted early 20s, and an enthusiasm for life that I find only to be shared by those who also live this lifestyle.

Anything is possible in life if you choose to make it happen.
Live well, long, healthy, and happy!!